In Memoriam: Yu-Kung Kao

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Courtesy East Asian Studies

Yu-Kung Kao, professor in the East Asian studies department for 37 years, died Oct. 29. He was 87. Kao’s research focused on classical Chinese literature — especially traditional poetry — but his breadth of knowledge across the range of pre-modern Chinese history and culture made him a central figure in Princeton’s East Asian studies department, where he also served as director of graduate studies. He taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses on Chinese poetry, fiction, and drama. Kao moved to emeritus status in 1999.